The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-08-13
SWIMMING.
How People Should be Taught to Imi-
tate the Frog.

tate the Frog.
slow is swimming taughtF' asked
Brooklyn Eagle writer of an instructor in
that useful art
'By going in the water with them, take
the little ones on your back and amuse
them in different ways After awhile they
get to like it, and, having full confidence in
their protector, they do as they are told.
The leg motion is the first thing to teach,
and afterward they should be instructed in
the use of their arms They should be held
by putting one hand on their breast and the
other on their back This does not interfere
with their arms in any way, and, having
full sense of security they commence to
make strokes, and finding themselves success
full the balance is easy. The action of the
frog is neither handsome nor quick, and
| disagree with some of the authorities who
recommend it, because to me 1t is not de-
sirable Children from years of age up
ward should be taught to propel Themselves
through the water with one hand only, or
one foot, or with both hands or feet alone
This knowledge is extremely useful in case
of cramps, for the limb that is attacked can
be rested, while its mate will bring the swim
mer safe to shore, where a vigorous rubbing
of the muscles will make matters all right
Delicate women who are advised by phys-
clans to learn the art of swimming, become
fatigued at first, but after swimming awhile
they can make the element subject to their
will, and when once under their control
the accomplishment will never be forgotten
In proof of this assertion, it may be said
that Miss Wright, who is a near relative
of Miss Booth, of Hdrper's Weekly. was
taught by her father to float when a child.
For many years the lady did not enter the
water, and it might be supposed she would
forget how to rest upon its surface, but she
did not, as upon very dark night. when
walking plank from one steamboat to an
other on the Mississippi river, she slipped and
fell into twelve feet of water. The young
lady could not swim stroke, but with great
presence of mind, she turned on her back
and remained motionless while floating for
one hour, and was rescued after a painful
suspense ON the part of her friends. A num-
Der of instances of this kind, where knowl-
edge of floating, even by those who could
not swim, saved their lives, could be related,
and it can be said, without fear of success
full contradiction, that if the women on the
Mystery knew how to float, every one of
them would have been saved and there
would not have been so many desolate
homes to-dayW
Glow long will it take to make pupil a
good swimmer"
THAT depends entirely on the age of the
person w HON the teacher has to deal with.
A grown man or woman can be taught in
four lessons to take care of. themselves in
the water but with children it is different.
Their confidence must first be won by kind
ness, and after they gain faith in them
selves there will be no further trouble.
Grammar, geography and other necessary
school exercises are good in their way, but
no matter how well versed person may be
in all that makes the scholar, not a single
thing learned at school will save ones life
j Il LII.
of swimming and floating will; therefore, |
repeat that the children in the public and
private schools should be taught the art"
Are there any laws regulating the time
for bathing"
mo person should enter the water less
than an hour before or two hours after eat
ing a hearty meal Do not battle while
feeling fatigued or in any way chilled. The
feet should never be allowed to become
cold before going in to swim, for in that
case one is liable to cramps. Do not stay
too long in the WATER